1 Thessalonians 1

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

1 Thessalonians 1 1 THESSALONIANS 1 1 Thessalonians 1:1–4 1:1 From Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church at Thessalonica united with God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Good will and peace are yours! Paul wrote this letter with Silas and Timothy, his coworkers, to the young church in Thessalonica. These three men had founded the church in Thessalonica, became friends to many, and took a vested interest in the members’ spiritual well-being. Earlier, Paul had barely escaped the clutches of Jewish opponents to the Gospel in Thessalonica (Acts 17:10). Some time later, Timothy had been dispatched to see how they were doing and to report his findings to Paul. Timothy returned to Paul in Corinth and reported all of the news about the believers in this thriving Roman city. Paul responded with this letter of encouragement and instruction. As Paul began his letter, he greeted them in the unity they pos- sessed because of their Christian faith. God’s grace and peace are the inherited promise God gives to all believers when they are saved. Therefore, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians with these words, 403 PCF-Churches.indb 403 7/12/12 3:28 PM 404 Paul’s Letters to Churches reminding them that they already possessed these blessings. Good will, kindness, and grace are given to human beings by God not because humanity deserves them but because God chooses to do so based solely on the work of His Son completed on Calvary’s Cross. The work of redemption satisfies Almighty God’s justice, removing the penalty of man’s rebellion and showering believers with His grace, mercy, kindness, and good will (John 1:17). 1:2 We always thank God for all of you as we remember you in our prayers. As Paul went about his daily tasks, he often thought about their Christian brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. Paul’s concern for their spiritual well-being was not some momentary thought but an ongo- ing moment-by-moment prayer on their behalf. They rejoiced as they remembered their times together. The Good News received through Timothy’s visit reported a blessed answer to their prayers. To see the fruit of their labor give birth to such genuine growth in the faith of these dear friends gave cause for rejoicing. Although the Holy Spirit was the One Who actually brought them to Christ and engendered their growth in the faith, Paul was happy to see how God had used them in the process. 1:3 In the presence of our God and Father, we never forget that your faith is active, your love is working hard, and your confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ is enduring. Paul asserted that he and his coworkers lived, worked, and prayed in the presence of God, the Father. How is this possible? Many assume that they enter God’s holy presence when they die and enter the heav- enly gates. However, that would leave believers in a woeful condition of despair. This is not what Jesus promised. One of Jesus’ most powerful assertions was His promise that He gives His children an abundant life that overflows with His vitality and joy (John 4:12–14). When individu- als are born again, they are brought by the Holy Spirit into the presence PCF-Churches.indb 404 7/12/12 3:28 PM 1 Thessalonians: Chapter One 405 of God, reconciled by the blood of His Son, Jesus. During moments of quiet prayer, believers can acknowledge their position in Christ and bow before the throne of the One Who created them, redeemed them, and provided the pathway for their reconciliation. While it is true that all people exist within the presence of the omniscient, all-powerful God, those who have been redeemed live within the scope of His love and forgiveness. As Paul remembered the Thessalonian believers in his prayers, he acknowledged three aspects of their Christian experience. First, their faith was active. They did not rely on purely theological debate, but their faith resulted in acts of kindness to others (John 6:27). Second, their love was hard-working. Their love for the Lord motivated them to do those things that supported the faithful, helped the weak, and restored the lost. They selflessly served the needs and concerns of others (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Third, they had an enduring confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though these believers were often chal- lenged by opponents of the faith, their confidence in the Lord who had saved them was unshakeable. Because they had been redeemed by the only eternal, living God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, they knew that their lives were secure. This was true no matter what happened in this life because they were inextricably connected to the One Who had given them eternal life. 1:4 Brothers and sisters, we never forget this because we know that God loves you and has chosen you. Paul addressed the Thessalonian believers as his brothers and sisters. Location made no difference to Paul—Athens or two hundred miles away. They were still children of the Lord Who had expressed His love for them by choosing them to be His own. As children of the saving Lord, all believers in Christ Jesus are brothers and sisters regardless of culture, nationality, or heritage. No matter where believers are around the world, they are related to each other because of their common faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ completed by His death on a Roman cross. PCF-Churches.indb 405 7/12/12 3:28 PM 406 Paul’s Letters to Churches Notes/Applications Paul, Silas and Timothy serve as wonderful Christian examples. They recognized that all believers live within the scope of God’s redeem- ing presence. This became particularly evident as they prayed for each other. When they prayed, they recognized the wonderful way in which the Lord had blessed their lives. They already possessed the grace and mercy of their redemption, and this realization gave them God’s peace regardless of their circumstances. In submission to the will of God in Christ Jesus, believers who fol- low these examples of the faith will experience a similar Spirit-inspired vitality. Life in Jesus Christ results in lives lived to the fullest. Genuine believers do not become satisfied with a simple sermon on Sunday mornings. The true experience of Christ’s love compels them to move into the world, bringing the Good News to the lost and instruction to those who share their faith in Christ. PCF-Churches.indb 406 7/12/12 3:28 PM.
Recommended publications
  • Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
    Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 1 © Copyright 2018 Joel B. Curry 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica V. 1-2— - Of the churches Paul & his team established, the church at Thessalonica seems to the best known for its flourishing, growing ministry, even after Paul had left them o Paul has already told them in 1:7-8: 7…you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. - Paul is getting ready to defend his ministry because of skeptics in the region o From his various letters, we know that the opposition to Paul’s authority was not just isolated in Corinth, although it was there that the opposition was most intense ▪ There are several reasons for this • Paul’s call from Jesus to service was different from all the other apostles; among the churches there were some skeptics about his authority • He had been known far & wide for his fierce opposition to Christ before his conversion Studies in the Book of 1 Thessalonians P a g e | 2 © Copyright 2018 Joel B. Curry • Location of the people to whom he ministered—Achaia, Macedonia, Greece, Cypress & other regions o These were distant from the “mother church” in Jerusalem, led by James & John, apostles who had been with Jesus from the beginning o It took several weeks to travel from these areas to Jerusalem & Judea, where the original apostles ministered • Others of the original apostles traveled to other regions to preach & build churches o Peter, Thomas, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Small Group Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians Week 1
    Small Group Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians Week 1: Opening Question: What did God use to get your attention and expose you to the message of the Gospel? Background: Paul went to visit Thessalonica around 49 A.D. The city was crucial to the Roman Empire and almost became the capital of the world because of the waterways that run into it, and the amount of trade & commerce that happened there. Paul, Silas & Timothy led the charge as they shared the gospel to the people in Thessalonica. Other then sharing the message of Christ, they were there to encourage the believers and plant the church. The background of the church can be read in Acts 17:1-9. Paul’s letter (with help from Silas & Timothy) gives the new believers some guidance on holy living, having hope for the future, and encouragement through the suffering and persecution they were facing. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Other scriptures to read – Acts 17:1-9) Questions: 1- In verse 2, Paul says that they always thank God for them continually and pray for them persistently. Why does this affect their relationship with the people of Thessalonica? How could constant prayer affect your relationship with friends or people who you may have a rough relationship with? 2- In verse 3, Paul writes “We remember before God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” a. What are “works” and how do they produce faith? b. What is “labor” and how is it affected by love? c.
    [Show full text]
  • Greetings and Thanksgiving the Salutation
    Thessalonians 1 & 2 1 Thessalonian 1: Greetings and Thanksgiving The Salutation The salutation names three authors of the letter, Paul, Silvanus, also known by his nickname Silas, and Timothy. Both of Paul’s fellow workers played important roles in the development of his missionary activity. According to Acts 15:22, Silas was part of the delegation sent to Antioch to announce the results of the “apostolic council” in Jerusalem. Paul chose him as a companion in his missionary activity in Syria and Cilicia, his “first missionary journey” (Acts 15:40). It was during that journey, in Derbe and Lystra, where Paul encountered Timothy, son of a Jewish mother and Greek father (Acts 16:1), whom he recruited to his missionary team. Silas continued with Paul and was with him in prison in Philippi (Acts 16:19–40), and he was with Paul when the apostle initially worked in Thessalonica (Acts 17:4-9) and Beroea (Acts 17:10). Timothy apparently was part of the team as well, since he remained with Silas in Beroea when Paul was sent off (Acts 17:14). Silas and Timothy reunited with Paul in Athens (Acts 18:5), which was probably the location from which Paul sent Timothy on the mission to Thessalonica, a mission to which he refers later in 1 Thess 3:2. If the account in Acts is correct, Silas accompanied Timothy on the trip; and the two rejoined Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5), providing the occasion for writing the letter. The presence of Silas and Timothy with Paul in Corinth when he first preached there is confirmed by Paul’s reminiscence of the start of his mission there in 2 Corinthians 1:19.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
    1 Thessalonians “Stand Firm in the Lord” Lesson #1 — 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Introduction Right now our country, community, and congregation are going through some trying times. Imagine looking back on this period of your life in a year, 5 years, and 10 years. What would you want to be able to say about the way you handled these challenges? 1 Thessalonians 1:1,2 In the opening greeting Paul introduces himself only by name, not by title, along with his co-workers. Determine the advantages and disadvantages of using titles for God’s servants. Paul refers to the church in Thessalonica as “in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Explain why it is important to remember that phrase when it comes to any church. The word “grace” in our usage refers to a gift that gives joy and light. Examine why this is a good word to express the rich meaning of God’s redemptive love and action in Jesus. Express how peace - peace within us and peace with others - is a result of grace. (cf Ephesians 2:13-17) Paul felt a responsibility toward the new believers in Thessalonica even after he had to move on to Berea and Athens. Summarize the responsibility you and your church has for new believers. Brainstorm some things you can do to help new Christians in their work with the Lord. Acts 17:1-10 Thessalonica: capital of the province of Macedonia; an important port; population of close to 200,000 people; boasted a strategic location on the Via Egnatia, the main highway connecting Rome to the East.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians Bible Study Guide 2020
    “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Bible studies and notes for individuals and groups. St Phil’s Anglican Church Eastwood. 2020. 1 Summary and introduction Background History: Thessalonica was founded around 315BC by Cassander, King of Macedonia. The Romans divided Macedonia into four districts in 167BC. Thessalonica was the capital of the second district. Paul’s letters: Paul came to Corinth around 50AD. The first letter to the Thessalonians was written shortly after that, and the second letter only some months later. They are therefore some of the earliest letters, probably only preceded by Galatians. Paul was probably only in Thessalonica a couple of months. Paul’s visit: During Paul’s second missionary journey, in Acts 17:1-10, he visited the Thessalonians with Silas. They mostly attended the Jewish Synagogue – seeking to prove to the Jews from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. Some believed – such as Jason, Aristarchus and Secundus. In Acts 17:13 they encountered opposition from the Jews. This spread to the Gentiles – first a mob, then city officials. They made life difficult for the Christians. They forced Paul and Silas (and Timothy) to move on. When they were no longer welcome in the synagogue, they continued the mission to the Gentiles. Attacks continued on Paul and his workers (Paul replies to this in 1 Thess 2:3-12). A riot ensued. Jason and some other Christians were brought before the authorities, since they could not locate Paul and Silas.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians 1 INTRODUCTION: ● What Does Being a Follower of Jesus Look Like on the Ground? What Is Christianity Supposed to Be All About Vs
    1 Thessalonians 1 INTRODUCTION: ● What does being a follower of Jesus look like on the ground? What is Christianity supposed to be all about vs. how is it perceived? ● Faith, love, and hope = major theme in 1 Thess and in Paul’s writings ● Each of these things can be misunderstood. In our own country, you can have faith without evidence. You can have love without proof. You can claim to have hope and nobody can see it. ○ “I have faith” but you don’t seem to value spiritual things ○ “I love her” but you treat her poorly and are incredibly selfish ○ “I have hope” but you panic at every trial and difficulty ● Is this what God expects or are we missing something? [1] Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. ● Paul elevates Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy by including them in his greeting, which isn’t always the norm in the other letters. Why? ○ The Thessalonians were a little miffed that Paul hadn’t come back to them. Instead, Paul sent Timothy from Athens to go to them and then Timothy met up w/ Paul in Corinth for a debrief ○ By elevating Silas and Timothy as a “we,” he postures them not just as substitutes but as co-laborers ● This is an important leadership concept for us to grasp. Leadership in the body of Christ isn’t a pyramid where there is the top person and then people beneath him. Instead, it is a plurality of leaders that serve the body.
    [Show full text]
  • I THESSALONIANS the First Letter of Paul to the Church in Thessalonica
    I THESSALONIANS The First Letter of Paul to the Church in Thessalonica 99 Paul’s mission to Greece In the Introduction we pieced together what we know about Paul’s life up to the writing of Galatians and the Jerusalem Assembly. Shortly after the Jerusalem Assembly, Paul set off to visit the churches which he and Barnabas had founded on their previous journey (47-48). He headed off overland, working his way through Syria and Cilicia, accompanied this time not by Barnabas but by Silvanus (Luke calls him by his Jewish name ‘Silas’, Acts 15:36-41). After visiting the churches in southern Galatia, he headed north and west, joined now by Timothy. Guided by the Spirit of Jesus, they came to Troas. The journey from Antioch to Troas covered some fifteen hundred kilometres and could have taken the best part of eight months. It is at this stage that Luke begins to use the first person in his narrative (Acts 16:10). It is possible, as some suggest, that Luke is using an unnamed person’s travel diary as one of his sources. It is also possible, however, that the earliest tradition is correct and that Luke is drawing here on his own memoirs. From Troas Paul crossed by ship to Macedonia, disembarked at Neapolis (Acts 16:11), and journeyed the fifteen or so kilometres along the Via Egnatia to Philippi (Acts 16:12). We will have more to say about his experiences there when we introduce his letter writ- ten to the Philippians. Luke (or the anonymous author of the travel diary) seems to have stayed on in Philippi, for the narrative moves back to the third person: ‘they departed’(Acts 16:40).
    [Show full text]
  • A Study of 1 Thessalonians
    Table of Contents 1. Christian Armor ....................................................... 5 (1 Thessalonians 1:1-3) 2. Christian Conviction ............................................... 11 (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) 3. Christian Imitation ................................................. 17 (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7) 4 Christian Conversion ............................................... 23 (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10) 5. God Who Examines Our Hearts .................................. 29 (1 Thessalonians 2:1-5) 6. Christian Care ....................................................... 35 (1 Thessalonians 2:6-12) 7. God at Work in You ................................................. 41 (1 Thessalonians 2:13) 8. Our Joy................................................................. 46 (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20) 9. Mind the Gap ........................................................ 52 (1 Thessalonians 3:10-13) 10. Under New Management ......................................... 58 (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) 11. No Trespassing ...................................................... 64 (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8) 12. Christian En-Courage-ment ..................................... 70 (1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11) 13. What Now? ........................................................... 76 (1 Thessalonians 3:12-24) Introduction The Christian life is a wonderful journey from being a wayward, self- centered sinner to a whole-hearted, Christ-centered child of God. The first letter the Apostle Paul wrote the Christians in Thessalonica is an invitation to help us
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Ted Kirnbauer 1 Thessalonians 1 9/16/18 INTRODUCTION Galatians
    1 Ted Kirnbauer 1 Thessalonians 1 9/16/18 INTRODUCTION Galatians and both letters to the Thessalonians were the first letters written by Paul. 1 and 2 Thessalonians were written during his second missionary journey from Corinth in 50–51AD (see notes on Acts 17:1–18:23). Paul’s missionary team consisted of Paul, Silas, Luke, and Timothy. After successfully starting a church in Philippi, Paul and Silas left for Thessalonica which was about a 5 day walk (100 miles). Paul and Silas arrived in Thessalonica, went to the synagogue, preached the gospel over a period of three weeks (Acts 17:1–9) and some Jews, a large number of God-fearing Greeks, and a few prominent women in the city were converted (Acts 17:4). The gospel, however, was also met with much opposition. Immediately, some unbelieving Jews stirred up a mob and went to the house where Paul was supposed to be staying. When they couldn’t find Paul they took the Christians they could find and brought them before the civil authorities accusing them of worshipping a king other than Caesar (Acts 17:7). In order to prevent more mob violence, Paul and Silas were eventually smuggled out of the city under the cover of darkness and traveled about 50 miles (2 ½ days) west to Berea. Once again they went to the synagogue first, and many Jews and some prominent men and women among the gentiles believed (Acts 17:12). When the Jews from Thessalonica heard of the gospel spreading in Berea they went there to stir up people against Paul.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians 2015 Edition Dr
    Notes on 1 Thessalonians 2015 Edition Dr. Thomas L. Constable Introduction HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Thessalonica was originally an ancient MACEDONIA town named Thermai, meaning "Hot Philippi Springs." The town gave its name to the * Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea, on the *Thessalonica Berea* shore of which it stood. In time it became an important city because of its strategic ASIA location. Cassander, the Macedonian king, founded the more modern city in 315 ACHAIA B.C., and named it for his wife, who was a Ephesus *Athens * half-sister of Alexander the Great. Corinth* Thessalonica was the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia, and it stood on the Via Egnatia, the Roman highway to the East. In Paul's day it was a self-governing community, with enough Jews in residence to warrant a synagogue (Acts 17:1). "Under the Romans it was the capital of the second of the four divisions of Macedonia, and when these were united to form one single province in 146 B.C. it became the capital, as well as the largest city of the province."1 Paul first visited Thessalonica during his second missionary journey—with Silas, Timothy, and perhaps others. They had just been released from prison in Philippi, and had made their way southward to Thessalonica. For at least three Sabbath days, Paul reasoned in the synagogue with those present, and many believed the gospel (Acts 17:2). However, he probably ministered in Thessalonica for a longer time than just three weeks, in view of what he wrote that he had done there (e.g., 1 Thess.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
    1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 1. How does the community judge whether or not a church is “successful”? How should Christians judge the success of a church? 2. Thessalonica was a city in Macedonia (modern day Greece). Read about Paul’s visit to them in Acts 17:1-15. From this passage, what things can we discern about the church in Thessalonica? Given the circumstances surrounding the formation of the church, how well do you think the church will be doing a few months on? 3. Read 1 Thes 1:1-10. 4. Paul gives us some clear answers to how the church is doing. Briefly, what does he tells us in: a. v2 b. v6 c. v7&8 d. v9&10 Now to look into the detail….. 5. Compare v1 with 1 Cor 1:2a (first phrase); how are both these ways of describing a church true? 6. In verse 3 & 4 Pauls uses the triad of faith, love and hope to describe the Thessalonians. Why are these three things important in the Christian life? How does Paul see them at work in the Thessalonians? 7. Paul reminds the Thessalonians they were chosen. What implications does this have for Christians? 8. In v8 Paul exclaims: “The Lord’s message rang out from you”. What do you think he means? How has this happened? 9. Look at v9-10, what three actions does Paul say marked the Thessalonians conversion? Are we (as a church or individuals) in danger of minimalizing any of these components? If so which and why? 10.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Thessalonians Commentaries & Sermons
    1 Thessalonians Commentaries & Sermons Colossians 2 Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians Resources Commentaries, Sermons, Illustrations, Devotionals See Disclaimer JESUS IS COMING AGAIN Click chart to enlarge Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT Chart by Charles Swindoll 1 Thessalonians Overview 1 Th 1:1-10 1 Th 2:1-20 1 Th 3:1-13 1 Th 4:1-18 1 Th 5:1-28 LOOKING BACK LOOKING FORWARD Personal Reflections Practical Instructions History Hortatory Ministry Ministry Ministry In in Absentia by Person (Thru Timothy) Epistle Word and Power Establishing & Calling & 1Th 4:13ff 1Th 5:12ff of the Spirit Comforting Conduct Comfort Commands 1 2 3 4 5 Salvation Service Sanctification Sorrow Sobriety Paul Commends Paul Founds Strengthening of Directions for Holy Living in Light of Spiritual Growth the Church the Church Spiritual Growth Day of the Lord Exemplary Hope of Motivating Hope of Purifying Hope of Tried Comforting Hope of Invigorating Hope of Young Converts Faithful Servants Believers Bereaved Saints Diligent Christians Written from Corinth Approximately 51AD Key Words - - Key Words -- see importance of key words - learn how to mark key words and the associated discipline of how t o interrogate them with 5W/H questions. Practice "interrogating" key words as well as term of conclusion (therefore), term of explanation (for), terms of purpose or result (so that, in order that, that, as a result), terms of contrast (but, yet), expressions of time (including then; until, after) and terms of comparison (like, as). You will be amazed at how your Teacher, the Holy Spirit, will illuminate your understanding, a spiritual blessing that will grow the more you practice! Be diligent! Consider the "5P's" - Pause t o Ponder the Passage then Practice it in the Power of the Spirit.
    [Show full text]